Nashbar vs BD cross bikes

Was looking into getting a cross bike cheap for commuting (currently have a sputnik track). I saw that nashbar currently has an extra 25percent off, which is pretty cheap. I was looking at their steal ss cross bike- 322 w/shippin after the discount and they have another 2 types, of which are 650 and 850 before the discount, but I do like the cheapness of the ss. Also, bd has the 400$ model w/ no discount code, and they also have higher end models w/ disc brakes that are alum for around 8 or 900.

Pick your poison between NB vs BD. My experience with NB has been very positive for many years. So I disagree that NB "sucks." It most assuredly does not. NB doesn't charge sales tax anymore than any other online vendor does; no doubt it does for in state customers. That's a problem for brick and mortar stores and that should be equalized but that's not where we are as a country.

Shipping sure you get to pay that with NB but you need to weigh that against the 25% discount and compare that to BD's price. BD's customer service is thin as well but that's part of its pricing model. Tough to have awesome customer service when your prices are very competitive.

Personally I'm no fan of the BD graphics and I like that NB bikes are pretty clean. The NB bike is a better deal at $25% off even when including shipping so I'd go for the NB if it fits you but both bikes are fine.

Personally I'm no fan of the BD graphics and I like that NB bikes are pretty clean. The NB bike is a better deal at $25% off even when including shipping so I'd go for the NB if it fits you but both bikes are fine.

The BD is probably closer to my size at 54, and I do end up paying tax for NB in IL (surprisingly, NB charges sales tax in 19 states).

I got my cross bike from BD. If I were to do it all over again, I think I would wait for the 25% off sale and get the steel cyclocross bike from Nashbar. $650 with Shimano 105 group is pretty much unbeatable IMO. Also I really like the no-logo look of the NB bikes.

Whenever a theory appears to you as the only possible one, take this as a sign that you have neither understood the theory nor the problem which it was intended to solve. -Popper

I got my cross bike from BD. If I were to do it all over again, I think I would wait for the 25% off sale and get the steel cyclocross bike from Nashbar. $650 with Shimano 105 group is pretty much unbeatable IMO. Also I really like the no-logo look of the NB bikes.

I'd have to pay tax, which isn't really that bad- extra 50 or so. I just wish it had disc brakes...

I'd have to pay tax, which isn't really that bad- extra 50 or so. I just wish it had disc brakes...

Yeah, I pay IL tax too for NB. But it wouldn't change my mind. I know what you mean about the disc brakes. I had some regret not getting the model with disc brakes. But since then, I have a couple of bikes with disc brakes (1 mechanical and 1 hydraulic), and they are definitely better, but I don't think so much better that I would let it dissuade me from buying the bike I want.

Whenever a theory appears to you as the only possible one, take this as a sign that you have neither understood the theory nor the problem which it was intended to solve. -Popper

If you're looking at the single-speeds, pay close attention to the geo on the two bikes. The BD Fantom Cross Uno has a short wheelbase/chainstays and pretty aggressive steering (I'm not convinced that BD's geo charts are totally accurate). It's definitely not "typical" CX geo. I enjoyed mine on the street, but it was a real handful on the CX course. I haven't ridden the Nashbar, but numbers and reviews indicate it's handling is more neutral making it an easier ride off-road.

If you're looking at the single-speeds, pay close attention to the geo on the two bikes. The BD Fantom Cross Uno has a short wheelbase/chainstays and pretty aggressive steering (I'm not convinced that BD's geo charts are totally accurate). It's definitely not "typical" CX geo. I enjoyed mine on the street, but it was a real handful on the CX course. I haven't ridden the Nashbar, but numbers and reviews indicate it's handling is more neutral making it an easier ride off-road.

So the BD is more track bike and the nashbar is more road bike? Nashbar more upright sitting?

And I'm a size 54, but the nashbar ss is only 52 and 55 (not sure how i feel about going up in size, but 52 is going down quite a bit).

You may already be aware of this, but the sizing for road bikes and 'cross bikes isn't necessarily equal, even from the same bike company. Maybe it has something to do with the higher bottom bracket cyclocross bikes typically have, but I've found that I generally need to drop a size or so for cyclocross bikes. My usual road bike size is around 54, like yours. On a cyclocross bike, it's 51-52.

Pay close attention to the geometry charts if they're posted. If they're not posted, ask for them. Compare the effective top tube length to what you're used to. Maybe standover, too.

So the BD is more track bike and the nashbar is more road bike? Nashbar more upright sitting?

Calling the BD "track like" is probably going a bit too far. A better comparison is that the BD is road bike like (which might be a little too nimble for off-road) and the Nashbar is more typical CX. I don't think there's much difference in riding position (both are close to traditional horizontal TT frames). The difference is mainly in the wheelbase and steering geometry.

If you're looking at the single-speeds, pay close attention to the geo on the two bikes. The BD Fantom Cross Uno has a short wheelbase/chainstays and pretty aggressive steering (I'm not convinced that BD's geo charts are totally accurate). It's definitely not "typical" CX geo. I enjoyed mine on the street, but it was a real handful on the CX course. I haven't ridden the Nashbar, but numbers and reviews indicate it's handling is more neutral making it an easier ride off-road.

Yeah I'm dubious of that 405mm chainstay length. I have a CX build with 415mm chainstay and tires over 32mm rub the seattube. Still a steep HT angle.

Is there a danger of toe overlap on the BD fantom w/ fenders? That is my main concern.

There's a "danger" of toe overlap on the 54 cm BD even without fenders. It's not extreme, but there'd usually be a few times each CX race where my toes would hit the front tire. Was never actually a problem, but if it bugs you, you might want a frame with a longer front-center. No experience with the Nashbar.

There's a "danger" of toe overlap on the 54 cm BD even without fenders.

I was just under the impression that toe overlap specifically when mixed with a fender could be extremely dangerous and cause the front tire to stop, launching you over the handlebars (again, only when fenders are involved). Am I wrong?

I was just under the impression that toe overlap specifically when mixed with a fender could be extremely dangerous and cause the front tire to stop, launching you over the handlebars (again, only when fenders are involved). Am I wrong?

I've heard of one case where toe overlap combined with a flexible fender resulted in jamming the fender between the tire and fork and causing a crash. With a good rigid fender (ABS plastic or similar or metal) that becomes extremely unlikely if not downright impossible.

The real key is just learning how to avoid toe overlap. Unless you're riding fixed gear or doing something "crazy" like Cyclocross racing, toe overlap is nearly 100% avoidable on even the tightest frame. Worrying about it is a little bit like worrying about pedal strike.